The Ducati 999 was a sports machine manufactured from 2003 to 2006, also known as the Triple Nine or Nine-nine-nine on the streets. The bike was designed by Pierre Terblanche and replaced the Ducati 916, 996, and 998 superbikes designed by Massimo Tamburini.
In 2006, the Italian motorcycle manufacturer launched the Ducati 999 Airwaves Replica, a limited-edition motorcycle based on the 999 and 749 models. The bike was limited to 30 units worldwide and was dressed in the same graphics scheme as the bike ridden by Gregorio Lavilla and Leon Haslam in official races.
The special edition machine featured a tuned engine for more power and torque but also in the suspension department for more responsive handling from its Showa suspension package.
The bike was fitted with a 43 mm upside-down Showa telescopic fork on the front end. In contrast, the rear end was operated by a fully adjustable Showa shock absorber with progressive linkage.
In the safety department, the bike packed two 320 mm discs with four-piston calipers on the front wheel and a 245 mm disc with a dual-piston caliper on the rear wheel, delivering excellent stopping power.
The 2006 Ducati 999 Airwaves Replica was brought to life by a 999cc liquid-cooled V-twin fuel-injected engine that delivered an output power of 150 hp at 9,750 rpm and 102 Nm (75 lb-ft) torque at 8,000 rpm, pushing the bike to 260 kph (162 mph).